Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 10 - Emerald
Welcome to Part 10 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series.
The tenth sign of the Zodiac is Capricorn (December 21 - January 19).
The Mystical Zodiac stone for Capricorn is Emerald.
History/Mythology
Emeralds are an ancient stone, whose history can be traced back 6000 years to 4000 BC, where it was sold in markets in Babylon. Indian mythology believes that the word emerald came from the Sanskrit word “marakata”, meaning “the green of growing things”. It is also believed to be derived from the Latin “smaragdus” meaning “green”.
Oddly, whereas diamonds are praised for their clarity, a clear emerald, without inclusions is not as prized. Those stones are suspected to be synthetic or an imitation. Emeralds will have inclusions due to calcite deposits within the stone.
Pliny The Elder, in about 50 AD, said of the emerald “Nothing greens greener.”
No less than Aristotle praised the emerald. He believed it elevated the owner in importance and presence, and helped people achieve victory.
Ancient Islamic practitioners would engrave emerald amulets with verses from the Koran.
The stone was a favorite of Cleopatra. Egyptians believed that, since green was the color of Spring, the stone was a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Cleopatra actually had her own emerald mine.
Some Arthurian legends believe that the Holy Grail was carved from emeralds.
Shah Jahan, one of the builders of the Taj Mahal, carved sacred texts into them and used them as talismans.
Arguably, the most famous piece of emerald jewelry is the Crown of the Andes, which contains over 1,500 carats of emeralds, including the Atahualpa Emerald (at 45 carats).
The Nadir Throne, in Iran, and the Pahlavi Crown, created for the coronation of Raza Shah in 1926, both contain many emeralds. The Nadir Throne is believed to contain 1,500 - 2,000 carats of emeralds.
Emerald Properties
Emerald is called the “stone of successful love”, as it is thought to enhance love and other relationships (friendships). Emeralds that change color are thought to do so due to unfaithfulness. It stimulates the heart chakra, therefore, it is a good stone to use for healing the heart (from heart aches).
On a more metaphysical level, it is believed to aid in clairvoyance and mental capacity, helping to bring the unknown into consciousness. As a result, many use it when faced with a difficult decision, because it can help you focus on all aspects, since it helps bring things into consciousness. This makes it a good stone to use for meditation.
Emeralds can also eliminate negativity and help you enjoy your life to the fullest.
Cleanse and Purify Your Stones
For information on how to cleanse your stones, refer to this article published recently on Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.
You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.
This is the ninth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more
in the upcoming months! I thank Giani
for his wonderful
continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.
~ diane
Series Article Part 1 - Opals
Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire
Series Article 3 - Amethyst
Series Article 4 - Moonstone
Series Article 5 - Diamonds
Series Article 6 - Agate
Series Article 7 - Jasper
Series Article 8 - Pearl
Series Article 9 - Onyx
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